Food to Eat and Avoid If You Have Arthritis
Diets & Meal Plans

Food to Eat and Avoid If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease, but a set of diseases that share inflammation of the joints and mild to severe pain. Of the main types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common. It is a disease characterized by a rather peculiar inefficiency of the immune system. The immune system starts to attack the inner lining of the joints. This has a telling impact on the body as it suffers from damage to synovial tissues, swelling of the joints, bone damage, cartilage damage, inflammation and permanent damage as a whole on its progression. The disease is incurable and the joints become stiff or cease to function if left untreated. Other forms of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis and osteoarthritis. The treatment for the disease includes medication that helps to reduce pain and inflammation. There are several anti-inflammatory foods that you can include in your diet as well. There are several foods to avoid with arthritis problem, as they may trigger joint pain. Here are a few of the best foods you should eat and a few food items you should avoid. Foods to avoid with arthritis Fried and processed food:  To put it in simple terms, avoid eating junk food as far as possible. The body’s natural defences can be restored and inflammation reduced over time if you abstain from eating fried and processed food. Replace eating these with an increased amount of fruits and vegetables in your diet. This is one of the sure shot foods to avoid with arthritis. AGE:  AGE is a toxin which appears in food items when they are grilled, fried, pasteurized or heated. These toxins damage certain proteins in the body which leads the body to release cytokines to break the AGEs. Cytokines are inflammatory messengers and an increased amount of AGES in the body can lead to onset of arthritis.
10 Popular Prostate Supplements Available in the Country
Diets & Meal Plans

10 Popular Prostate Supplements Available in the Country

Most men experience problems with their prostate gland, as they age. Although the prostate is one of the smallest glands in the body, it can be a problem creator! Almost all men are at risk of developing prostate gland issues at later stages of their lives. Most common issues with the prostate gland are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and prostatitis. The prostate gland is of the size of a walnut and is located just below the bladder in men. This gland grows as men age. When the prostate is enlarged beyond normal, it starts creating problems. Common issues due to enlarged prostate are frequent urination, difficulty in urination, and feeling of incomplete urination. When the prostate gland is infected (prostatitis), symptoms like fever, pelvic pain, and cloudy urine may be experienced. Taking prostate supplements is one of the ways of preventing prostate problems. However, clear evidence of the effectiveness of supplements is yet to be established. Read on to know the top 5 prostate supplements that can help men with prostate issues. Role of prostate supplements Prostate supplements are useful in shrinking the size of the prostate. Some physicians recommend prostate supplements for maintaining optimal health. The top 5 prostate supplements nourish the prostate with the nutrients necessary for proper functioning and healing. Prostate supplements are known to provide symptomatic relief from BPH and prostatitis. The urine flow can be improved and the frequency of urination can be reduced. Some supplements can even reduce the growth of the gland and improve erectile function. Top 5 prostate supplements Identifying the top 5 prostate supplements can be quite challenging. It is almost like taking a shot in the dark. Most of the times one needs to rely on feedback from those who have used it. There are certain supplements that are absolutely needed for the proper functioning and healing of the prostate gland.
Benefits of Protein Shakes
Diets & Meal Plans

Benefits of Protein Shakes

The body requires large amounts of protein as it is a macronutrient. Once it is absorbed into the body via digestion, protein is broken down into several amino acids. These amino acids are then built into a new set of proteins which aid in building muscles and making red blood cells, as well as helping out with other bodily functions. Consumption of protein items is crucial after exercise for a gym enthusiast as it helps the muscles grow and recover. It is no coincidence that more and more bodybuilders are taking protein in some form or the other. While getting protein through solid food is the best practice, it is not often as effective as taking assortments of protein-enriched substances like cereals, oatmeal or protein shakes. Listed below are a few benefits of protein shakes and a few of the best protein drinks in the market today. Benefits of protein diet shakes Apart from the fact that protein diet shakes are easy to make, there is a reason why they are so popular among bodybuilders. As mentioned above, protein is used to help muscles grow and recover. It also helps manufacture nucleic acids, cellular messengers, enzymes, hormones, and immune-system components. Without proteins, our bodies will be unable to create the structures needed to make cells, tissues, and organs. The muscles will not heal as quickly as they should if there is a low intake of protein. Bodybuilders prefer protein diet shakes because they are a quick option to prepare. Other people may make use of protein diet shakes for the same reason. You may be someone who works hard from 9-5 and preparing a meal to meet your protein intake requirement might prove to be quite the task. Preparing protein diet shakes however is fuss-free and easy, to say the least.
Diet Tips to Lower Triglyceride Levels
Diets & Meal Plans

Diet Tips to Lower Triglyceride Levels

Triglycerides are a specific type of fat found in the body. Having high triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart diseases. Our body breaks down food and converts the extra calories into triglycerides. It stores them in fat cells to generate energy later. While one needs these fat cells to supply energy to the body, having excess triglycerides can increase an individual’s risk of developing a heart condition. What one eats plays a crucial role here, one must make sure that they follow a diet to lower triglycerides. Several reasons can lead to high triglyceride levels such as obesity, regular consumption of alcohol, kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or eating a high-calorie diet. Around one in every five people in the country suffers from high triglyceride levels. Understanding triglycerides numbers The regular level of triglyceride in the body is under 150. The higher the number, the greater are the chances of heart disease. Here are some numbers you should pay attention to: Standard triglyceride – lower than 150 mg/dL Borderline triglyceride – between 150 and 200 mg/dL High triglyceride – over 200 mg/dL Very high triglyceride – over 500 mg/dL. Food plan to control triglyceride levels High triglyceride levels often lead to problems such as diabetes, thyroid disease, obesity, and more. So, as the first line of treatment, one’s doctor will try to control the condition by bringing down the triglyceride levels. Moving on, one must consume a healthy diet to lower triglyceride levels and keep other medical conditions in check. Here are some easy tips to keep one’s triglyceride level within the stipulated level by choosing the right foods. Limiting the sugar intake According to the American Heart Association, an average individual should not consume more than 6-9 teaspoons of added sugar every day. The most common sources of sugar are sweets, fruit juice, and soft drinks.
Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid
Diets & Meal Plans

Multiple Sclerosis – Foods to Eat and Avoid

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the nerve functioning and causes problems related to the vision, muscle control, and other body functions. The adversity of the disease varies from person to person. While some people might not need treatment at all, some go through a lot of hindrances in their daily activities as well. Due to the disease, the brain cannot send signals through your body. As a result, you might experience symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty in walking, tingling and numbness, double vision, depression or trouble in focusing. However, proper multiple sclerosis diets can help a lot in dealing with the condition. A good diet can help you to cope better with multiple sclerosis disorder. It can help in maintaining regular bowel functions and can improve the health of your skin, teeth, heart, gums, and flexibility. With a healthy diet, you can also avoid weight gain and heart diseases in general. If you have MS, then you should consult your doctor before following a certain type of diet. Here are the foods that you should eat and those you need to avoid when you have MS. Foods to eat when having MS A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health. Multiple sclerosis diets include fruits and vegetables that provide the required nutrition that the body needs. Your diets should essentially include things that help the body to maintain and grow along with a lot of fluids. You can eat fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, skinless chicken, and meat that is trimmed of visible fat is also a good option. Beans, soy, lentils, and nuts should also be included. Not to mention vegetables and fruits that is a must for a healthy diet. It is advised to consume whole grain products of which you can have three to four servings per day while following multiple sclerosis diets.
All You Need to Know about the Diet for Diverticulitis
Diets & Meal Plans

All You Need to Know about the Diet for Diverticulitis

These days, the stomach diseases are increasing, and therefore, the doctors show a severe concern towards the overall nutrition of the people. Every age group has certain gut bacteria levels and must follow a routine check-up. Cleansing of the colon area is a must so that toxins from the body keep on regularly releasing without harming organs and intestine lining. However, a particular health condition came into highlight mostly in the age group of 30 to 50 years is diverticulitis. It is a kind of a stomach disease which occurs when small pockets are formed in the wall of the digestive system. They lead to the intestine inflammation. One of the reasons for this can be an infection due to the toxics of colon. What are diverticula and how is it formed? Diverticula are small sacs or pockets which take birth on their own when the colon muscles become weaker. They protrude outward in the large intestine lining in red color like boils or polyps. It is a painful condition during a flare-up. Sometimes, on diagnosing, immediate surgery is recommended by the specialists. What are the symptoms of diverticulitis? Most people are unaware of the initial symptoms and lead to the chronic stage and then realize the fact that they are affected by diverticulitis. Hence, there are some common symptoms which one must consider and get immediate help from the doctor whenever they experience them. Long-term constipation is the condition when one cannot pass stool regularly and sustains for a long term. It causes immense pain and fatigue. Long-term diarrhea is a common symptom of diverticulitis. If a person suffers from diarrhea and no antibiotic works, then it is a sure symptom of diverticulitis. Pain and tender feeling in the abdomen with bloating is a symptom of diverticula formation in the colon lining.
Things to Know about an Alkaline Food Chart
Diets & Meal Plans

Things to Know about an Alkaline Food Chart

The existence of life on earth totally depends on the pH balance in the environment. All living organisms and cells can survive only when this balance is maintained. Humans require a strictly controlled pH of 7.4 in the blood. Therefore, it can be safely concluded that the pH levels need to be maintained internally (human body) and externally (environment). It is essential that the pH value of the human diet is maintained in order to maintain the pH balance of the human body. High levels of acidity in the body lead to numerous health issues. Maintaining alkalinity is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Any object whose pH value is greater than 7 is considered alkaline. An alkaline diet includes foods that help in maintaining the pH of your body. Following an alkaline food chart is essential to maintain the alkaline balance in our bodies. Need to alkalize your body Your body requires more alkaline foods to maintain the pH balance. When the pH level tilts toward acidic values, i.e. less than 7, you experience digestive issues, skin, nail and hair problems, mouth and teeth issues, and other general health issues. Acid/alkaline imbalance in the body is known to be the root cause of numerous health issues. A slightly alkaline condition is necessary for the smooth functioning of our bodies. For example, pH of blood needs to be 7.4 for the healthy functioning of the body. Even a slight shift of blood pH of say 0.2 is a serious health hazard. This shift toward acidic pH is balanced by the blood borrowing of minerals like calcium, potassium from vital organs and bones to neutralize the shift of pH. Unchecked high acidity in the body leads to permanent damage to organs; ultimately bringing down the quality of life. The best way to maintain the pH balance of your body is to follow an alkaline food chart.
Factors to Consider in Meal Plans for Diabetes Patients
Diets & Meal Plans

Factors to Consider in Meal Plans for Diabetes Patients

Our daily diet defines our health in reality. The nutrients from different foods react in different ways in our body, and it affects the cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and weight. Diabetes is one of the most common problems nowadays, and many people suffering from diabetes find it difficult to maintain a healthy diet to stay fit. Many people prefer consuming processed food and often end up with numerous health-related problems. A healthy diet can be very helpful for a diabetic patient, and they should try some good diabetic meal plans to stay healthy and fit. This article will highlight some great meal plans for the diabetes patients, and you should also go through the article if you are in search of effective diabetic meal plans to stay healthy and fit. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates play a major role in maintaining your blood glucose. Experts suggest your insulin dosage depending on your dietary habits, especially carbohydrates. If you don’t have the habit of consuming carbohydrates in every meal, try to include it now onward. Diabetes patients should prefer sources like fruits, high-fiber whole grains, vegetables, and so on. We also recommend you to choose the source of carbohydrate with added sugars, salt, and fats. Proteins Proteins acquire the position of the second important factor for diabetic patients. Proteins play a vital role in defining your health and satiate hunger at the same time. Proteins play a major role as they don’t affect your blood glucose similar to carbohydrates. We recommend you to use portion control along with protein consumption to prevent excessive weight gain. You have to remember that low blood sugar can’t be treated with protein mixtures and shakes. It can push insulin to work faster in type2 diabetes and hence it should not be used for patients suffering from type2 diabetes.
Liquid Diet Tips for a Detox or Weight Loss
Diets & Meal Plans

Liquid Diet Tips for a Detox or Weight Loss

Health is a primary concern for a lot of people and with a rise in health issues like obesity and arthritis, the biggest concern is weight loss. However, weight loss is not an easy task and cannot be achieved in a few days. A winner amongst quick, yet healthy weight loss methods is a liquid diet. A diet consisting only of liquids instead of solid food is called a liquid diet. A liquid diet comprises water, broth and plain gelatin that are easy to digest and leaves no undigested residue in your intestinal tract. In a liquid diet, most of your carbs and other minerals necessary for your body are obtained by fruit and vegetable juices or broth that contains no pulp. It is often prescribed to patients with digestive problems, recovering from injuries or who are about to undergo surgery. When a person follows a liquid diet, it helps detox and kick-starts your body‘s mechanisms with weight loss procedure. There are various liquid diet plans that one can follow to reduce weight. However, choose the best liquid diet plan by consulting a dietician and understanding the needs of your body and your stamina. Detox/cleansing liquid diet plan In a busy and hectic schedule, our body tends to suffer the most. An unhealthy lifestyle and constant pollution can take a massive toll on your body making it prone to diseases. Detoxing and cleansing have to be a priority for all to maintain its well-being. In a detox/cleansing liquid diet, you can see the effects almost immediately. One can always opt for a lemonade diet, also referred to as a master cleanse diet. One needs to drink only one drink of lemonade for a week. Blend 50 ounces of water with10 tablespoons of organic B grade maple syrup, ten tablespoons of fresh lemon juice along with half a spoon of cayenne pepper.
The Best Protein Shakes for Women
Diets & Meal Plans

The Best Protein Shakes for Women

In today’s world of busy lifestyles, meeting daily nutritional requirements can be quite difficult as most people do not have the time to prepare healthy meals. Given this, protein shakes are an excellent solution for people who need to increase their protein intake. Many women want to tone up their bodies without putting on bulky muscle mass. In this article, we’re going to discuss the best protein shakes for women, so you know exactly what to choose. Protein is excellent for helping women repair muscle tissues and develop lean muscle mass, which is especially important because—as women age, they develop greater susceptibilities to disorders like sarcopenia or osteoporosis. With around 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving of protein powder, it makes for a good dietary supplement if you are not getting enough protein through whole foods—especially if you are a vegetarian or vegan. Why are protein shakes so important? It is commonly believed that protein shakes make you lose weight but this is not true. However, as a food product, it can help you lose weight if the right product is consumed in the right quantities. The best protein powders for shedding weight will have pure protein and minimal artificial ingredients, as well as carbs, fats, and sugar. Protein, in addition, helps to build and develop your muscles, which in turn can help you to burn calories as your muscles function better. Protein also helps you to feel fuller when you consume carbohydrates or fats, which helps you to reduce the overall calorie consumption in a day. How do you identify the best protein shakes for women? Protein is a vital nutrient for both men and women, which is why many women take the same quantity and type of supplement men take. However, women generally require less protein per serving than men do and in addition, women’s protein formulae contain essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, and B vitamins to boost their health.